Two Bills Drive

‘"I’m trying to get back in my zone," said Williams, who had offseason surgery on both ankles. "Last year, I was getting (pain-killer) shots every week so I could play. But I feel good now, and I’m just trying to take it to people."’

‘Rogers may have a chance to break loose Sunday against the Detroit Lions, who are ranked 29th in kickoff coverage.’

‘"The key is to be consistent week in and week out and the best way to be consistent is to have a strong running attack," said Bledsoe, who has thrown 15 touchdown passes and just five interceptions. "The nature of the passing game is far too inconsistent every week. If you have to throw the ball all the time, there are a lot of variables and it’s more difficult to be consistent."’

‘With 19 sacks, the Bills are on pace to finish with 43, nine more than last season.’

‘The statistics say Drew Bledsoe-Moulds is No. 1, followed by Bledsoe-Peerless Price.’

‘Kickoff is 1 p.m. and will be carried on the Fox Network. Ron Pitts, a former Bills cornerback, will do the play-by-play and Tim Green, former Syracuse University All-American, will be the color analyst.’

‘"He’s shown it already for us. We feel we can be in any ballgame as long as he’s playing quarterback."’

‘"If you do the job right, opposing coaches know," he said. "Opposing players know. Your teammates know."’

‘Thursday’s practice was outdoors, to get the Lions ready for the cool environment for Sunday’s game in Orchard Park, N.Y.’

‘Q. What about Harrington? As a veteran defensive player, what do you see in him? A. A guy learning every day. He enjoys playing. He doesn’t panic. He’ll come up and ask me, "What would you look for if you were playing against me?" You talk to him about those things. He’s learning at an amazing pace. He’s a football player.’

‘"I eat the same pre-game meal," Banta said. "I have pancakes, even if it’s a night game."’

‘That’s how many consecutive road games the Lions have lost. Based on available research, they will set the franchise record if they lose at Buffalo on Sunday.’

‘What’s impressive is how quickly the linemen have jelled, considering injuries prevented them from playing together until Buffalo’s final preseason game.’

‘Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson Jr. and his wife, Mary, have made a $500,000 donation to The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care in Cheektowaga.’

The Bills-Lions game this Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium is sold out and will be televised locally. Including this Sunday’s contest with Detroit, all four home games so far in 2002 have been soldout in time to meet the blackout deadline.